Zeljko Obradovic and Panathinaikos officially part ways

Zeljko Obradovic and Panathinaikos officially parted ways as announced by the Greek team. The Serbian coach leaves the bench of the powerhouse after 13 years.

In a long letter, Obradovic thanked the organization, the supporters, everyone for the 13 years he spent in Athens with the team.

There are a lot clubs who are following Obradovic for the coming season: Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes, CSKA Moscow, Regal Barcelona are the potential destinations for the Serbian coach. 

Obradovic led Panathinaikos to five Euroleague titles in 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011, won 11 Greek Leagues and 7 Greek Cups. 


Here is the farewell letter to Panathinaikos:

Dear Friends, 

When I came in June 1999 to Athens to join Panathinaikos, I could not have imagined that this would be my team, my family, my home for 13 years. In these 13 years, we had many beautiful moments, many celebrations, but also difficulties. We were always together as a great and true family. From the principles I learned from my family, I always remember that the most important thing is to respect people, especially if you want to be respected. This is something I would like to stress at this time.

I have great respect for the Giannakopoulos family, which made it possible with all its power, to be together all these years. I would like to thank and salute respectfully, the people working at Panathinaikos, all the members of the coaching staff with whom I had a great partnership over the years. Also a big thank you to all Panathinaikos fans, who were always, always, always with us, because without their help we never would have succeeded. And of course a big thank you to all the players with whom I worked these 13 years. Together, the Giannakopoulos family, the Panathinaikos employees, the coaching staff, players and fans managed to make Panathinaikos a great club that is respected throughout Europe.

Now I have had a very difficult decision to take, that the collaboration of all these years is over. I think that what happens in a family should stay in a family. Because, as the wise Greek people say, "Whatever happens in a family, should never go public." I feel at this time that my decision is the best for everyone.

Panathinaikos was my team and my home for 13 years and will always remain part of my heart. I would also like to thank all the representatives of the media for their cooperation. Last but not least, I would like to say a great thank you to my best man, my closest partner and friend Dimitris Itoudis, for our great and magnificent cooperation. 

Zeljko Obradovic